Once in a while you come across a concept that really changes the way you think and approach things. This is true of Cal Newport’s book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love.

Basic concept: Passion follows mastery.

Coaches love things like “passion.” Maybe too much. We’re not saying passion doesn’t matter; we’re just saying that sitting around waiting for passion is a poor strategy. Try things and see what stirs your interest. Let the interest develop into skill, and then mastery will unlock passion.

Usefulness in coaching:

· When a client is trying to “discover” passion.
· Career coaching.
· When faced with a challenge that’s a bit too much, passion is lacking.